Measures, Methods, and Application of a Mobility Monitoring Process for Small to Medium-Sized Communities (0-5571-1)

Many TxDOT districts struggle with congestion issues in growing small to medium-sized communities (SMSCs). Congestion in these communities is often highest along state highways that also serve major local travel functions. The objective of this one-year research project was to develop and test a framework for congestion monitoring in SMSCs, including economical (low-cost) monitoring techniques and the normal range of improvements for SMSCs. This report summarizes the activities and results for this one-year project. Researches developed a six-step framework for performing on-going mobility monitoring in SMSCs. The framework was applied to two pilot study locations--one in a small-sized community (less than 50,000 population with no metropolitan planning organization [MPO] presence), and another in a medium-sized community (greater than 100,000 population with a MPO presence). Researcher collected travel time data using test vehicles instrumented with global positioning system (GPS) equipment, pneumatic tube traffic volume data, and performed videologs of the 14 (total) corridors. Researchers performed a stopped delay study at one location. Researchers developed methods to effectively communicate mobility monitoring results to both technical and non-technical audience. A survey of SMSCs was performed to obtain a better understanding of congestion definitions, monitoring activities, and when, where, and why congestion occurs in SMSCs. Researchers developed numerous outreach materials including a guidebook entitled Guidebook for Mobility Monitoring in Small to Medium-Sized Communities: A How-To Guide for technical audiences, a companion (smaller) document for non-technical audiences and an interactive CD with Power Point presentations to technical and non-technical audiences and an interactive case study, and preliminary workshop lesson plans. The results documented in this research report, and the associated outreach materials will be useful for TxDOT staff in small to medium-sized communities as well as TxDOT's partnering agencies, including MPOs, municipalities, and counties.